So, we all know the theory that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, we also know that eating a balanced breakfast can be a daily challenge. According to a 2014 study reported in the Huffington Post, the NPD Group says that nearly 31 million Americans do not eat breakfast; that’s about 10 percent of the total American population. This percent is high considering the pace of American culture and whether people will have enough calories to support their day to day activities.

The most common reasons why people skip breakfast is because they’re not hungry, didn’t feel like eating or were too busy in the mornings. Since breakfast can be a daunting task for some  people, I recommend making smoothies. Smoothies are not only a quick and easy way to start your day, they are power packed with nutrients that are essential for they body.

If you are getting ideally around 7 hours to 8 hours of sleep, it is safe to say that your body has been dehydrated for all of those hours. I sleep with a bottle of water next to me, and when I wake up it is the first thing I sip, about 8 ounces. Also, the body looses water during sleep from sweating, respiration, and sometimes mid-night urination, so replacing that lost water is essential.

A good breakfast contains some form of protein, carbohydrates and fat. When some of us think of protein, we may think of meat, but consider egg whites, for example. They are an excellent source of protein. The yolk is high in cholesterol but contains many nutrients such as Vitamin A, iron, and biotin, our body’s source of Vitamin B. Dietitians recommend eating three yolks per week and as many whites as you like. In the Berry Blast smoothie, there are about l0 grams of protein and the average person should consume at least 48 grams per day.

So many people incorrectly think about carbs as bread. While bread is a high source of carbohydrates, nearly every single fruit and vegetable contains carbohydrates. Carbs aren’t a bad thing to have. Carbs give our bodies the energy it needs to stay efficient. Good carbs, in the form of fruit and vegetables helps improve our immunity and promotes a balanced state of energy throughout the day. Berries and flaxseeds are excellent sources of fiber and omega three-fatty acids, which promotes good digestion. Whole grains are also a good source of carbs. Identify good sources of whole grains by looking for the words Whole Wheat or Whole Grain as the first listed ingredient. Pastries and some granola bars, on the other hand, are usually loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats that are not energy giving or nutritious, so be aware.

Athletes know more than anyone how important that first meal is after a workout. Your body goes into recovery mode after workouts so it’s important the kinds of foods you use to replace lost nutrients. Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration in a post-workout smoothie since it is loaded with electrolytes, at least two cups. The healthy fat from avocados, or nuts are excellent ways to replace the protein lost in the muscle. Almond milk is a plus since it is both a good source of protein and calcium.

Beginning to think about breakfast and post-work out meals in new ways are critical to our health and wellness. Eating the right foods will cause your body to store the right kinds of fat and energy. My best advice is to find the routine that works for you and stick with it.

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